Stye, also known as hordeolum, is an acute suppurative lesion of the eyelid glands. Most cases of hordeolum are caused by staphylococcal infections, with Staphylococcus aureus being the most common pathogen.

Acute aseptic inflammation caused by the blockage of the meibomian gland orifice can also secondarily develop into hordeolum.

When hordeolum is accompanied by blepharitis, it may present as multiple lesions or recur frequently.